Abstract
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic represents the most serious public health problem in India with various zones in the country based on the HIV prevalence. The state of Himachal Pradesh falls in the low prevalence zone, but the exact demographic profile of the patients is not known. Objective: To study the social, demographic, and clinical profile of patients attending the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) center at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the adult HIV-positive patients who were on ART at IGMC Shimla from November 2008 through May 2009 for a period of 6 months. Data was collected using a pre-designed and pre-tested structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered by the investigator in person in local vernacular language of the patients. Data was also obtained from the ART cards of the patients. Quantitative data so obtained was analyzed using means and proportions. Results: A total of 384 patients were enrolled in the study. Male to female ratio was 1.19:1. Majority of the patients were in the age group 25-44 years. Mean age of the patients was 37.1 ± 6.6 years. Among females, 61.1% were widows. Patients had been referred to the ART center by a physician, with self-referral being very less. Conclusion: The findings are suggestive of a predominantly heterosexual route of transmission and the maturation of the epidemic in Himachal Pradesh. This information indicates the need for interventions aimed at reducing risky sexual behavior.
Published Version
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